Money: Faith & Finance

Should Christians sell everything and give it all away? Ben McEachen and accountant Pete Burrows dig into Acts chapter 2, where the early church shared everything, and admit how tempting it is to wiggle out of it. They weigh it against Paul's blunt call to work, and Ben opens up about the generosity fund in his own family budget. You'll hear why generosity takes practice, why your skills and time...

Do you still need an accountant now that AI can answer almost anything? Ben McEachen puts that question to Pete Burrows, an accountant with Lower Russell Farr in Penrith. Pete's quick answer: AI is okay, but sometimes you need actual intelligence . He shares when a simple tax return is fine to do yourself, the red flags of a dodgy accountant, and why a phone call before a big purchase beats fixing...

Card surcharges disappear on 1 October 2026. Tap for a $100 purchase, pay $100. Simple enough, until you ask the question accountant Pete Burrows keeps coming back to: the business still has to pay to process that card, so who ends up wearing the cost? Ben McEachen and Pete sort out what's actually changing on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa, what isn't, and what to watch for at the till. Key Takeaway...

Should you be able to access your super before retirement? One Nation says yes, and its own modelling puts the figure at $44 a week. Accountant Pete Burrows and Ben McEachen weigh that against what it costs later: around $25,000 forgone, a one-time window you can never use twice, and billions of dollars flowing into an already stretched housing market. Ben argues we're adults who can be trusted wi...

Key Takeaways: The equity market provides expansive coverage of the economy, emphasizing transparency and ease of entry. Start investing early, even with small amounts, to gain experience and benefit from long-term growth. A Chief Investment Officer curates suitable investment strategies, even for those with limited funds. Diversify investments, considering options like government bonds, ETFs, and...

Key Takeaways: Investing is accessible to everyone, irrespective of their income level; the focus should remain on strategic allocation and balanced risk management. Ethical considerations can significantly shape investment strategies, with options like ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) funds aligning well with Christian values. Debt should be managed carefully – while not inherent...

About the Guest: Joe Youssef is an experienced investment professional and the Chief Investment Officer of Vado Private. With more than 30 years’ experience across financial markets, investment management, and the not-for-profit sector, his career has included senior roles at AMP and Macquarie Bank, as well as serving as CEO of the Sydney Stock Exchange. Joe brings a wealth of knowledge to d...

18 August 2026. 7pm AEST - Our first LIVESTREAM event! Join us at Hope Media's Facebook , Youtube or Instagram for insights and take-aways about what do we invest in now. Your favourite accountant Pete Burrows and co-host Ben McEachen will be joined by investment expert Joe Youssef to guide us through recent changes, starting out, experienced decision-making AND what God's word says about investme...

18 August 2026. 7pm AEST - Our first LIVESTREAM event! Join us at Hope Media's Facebook , Youtube or Instagram for insights and take-aways about what do we invest in now. Your favourite accountant Pete Burrows and co-host Ben McEachen will be joined by investment expert Joe Youssef to guide us through recent changes, starting out, experienced decision-making AND what God's word says about investme...

Key Takeaways: Biblical Giving : The concept of biblical giving is rooted in internal motivations rather than external recognition. The importance of humility and sincerity in generosity is highlighted. Modern Fundraising : The discussion acknowledges the necessity for contemporary fundraising suits within biblical teachings, emphasizing encouragement over self-promotion. Motivation Matters : True...

Key Takeaways: Yes, Capital Gains Tax has changed in Australia. Pete breaks down what they actually are, when they come into effect, and likely outcomes. This might be a helpful prompt to reconsider your own criteria for investment  Pete Burrows: "You want to get ahead, but ahead of who?" Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au . Ben and Pete...

Key Takeaways: One in three Australian workers fear AI might replace them, while a similar proportion of businesses actively use AI technology. AI can perform mundane, repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus on high-value, human-centric job aspects. The website "aicompass.com" can help individuals gauge their job's exposure to AI influence. Engaging with AI, even in small ways, can help worker...

Are retirement expectations in Australia keeping up with reality? Ben McEachen and Pete Burrows dig into the numbers — including why Australians now think they need $1.9 million to retire — and ask whether that figure is realistic for ordinary people. Pete shares what he genuinely sees with real clients, unpacks the ASFA super benchmark, and offers his three M's framework for building...

Key Takeaways: Australia experienced around $31.5 billion in gambling losses in 2022-2023, indicative of a growing nationwide concern and need for robust policy intervention. Pete Burrows emphasises the importance of understanding the opportunity cost associated with gambling, suggesting it can detrimentally affect essential household finances. The episode addresses how digital platforms have simp...

Key Takeaways: Income disparity should not define contribution value in household finances; consider all types of work and responsibilities. Establishing open, continuous financial dialogues between partners can prevent misunderstandings and foster unity. Approach household finances with a focus on cooperation and equality rather than dominance, regardless of income size. Differences in income lev...

Sara is a single mother residing in Sydney, Australia, who impressively manages the household dynamics of five children, aged 12 to 19. Additionally, Sara is a devoted foster carer, providing a nurturing environment not only for her children but also for those in need. Her life is a testament to community support, resourcefulness, and unyielding faith, offering her both challenges and a profound s...

Key Takeaways: Recent changes in Australia's federal budget could significantly affect wealth building, specifically through adjustments to capital gains tax and negative gearing. The government may aim to make property a less attractive investment over time to address broader housing affordability challenges. Small business owners and startups could be particularly impacted by these tax changes d...

About the Guest: Tim Costello is an Australian advocate known for campaigning against gambling harm. A former CEO of World Vision Australia and regular contributor to the Centre for Public Christianity, he now leads the Alliance for Gambling Reform, a leading national advocacy group working to reduce gambling-related harm. Costello has long been an outspoken critic of gambling practices and policy...

Key Takeaways: The Federal Budget 2026 primarily benefits workers and the lower middle class by targeting tax reforms over monetary handouts. Major tax reforms target capital gains and negative gearing, aiming to make housing more accessible and affordable. The budget reflects a shift towards providing benefits for earners as opposed to owners, potentially leading to long-term societal gains. Curr...

Anglicare's Rental Affordability Snapshot - National Report Anglicare's Rental Affordability Snapshot - NSW and ACT   About the Guest: Rob Stokes is the Group Executive of Housing at Anglicare Sydney. With a distinguished background as a former Member of Parliament in New South Wales, Rob has transitioned to focus on housing affordability and social welfare. At Anglicare, he oversees initiati...

Key Takeaways: Wisdom vs. Wealth : Wisdom can offer more sustainable benefits than wealth, providing a foundation for making sound financial decisions. The Biblical Perspective : Applying biblical principles, such as those found in the Book of Proverbs and the Book of James, can guide financial decision-making. Wisdom in the Workplace : The notion of "wisdom work," especially in the age of AI, emp...

Key Takeaways: Capital gains tax in Australia was established in 1985 to tax profits made from asset sales, excluding the primary residence. The current 50% discount on CGT, introduced by the Howard government in 1999, was intended to foster investment but has led to disproportionate effects on the housing market. There's ongoing speculation about potential changes to tax policy in the upcoming fe...

Rosie Kendall is the CEO of Hope Economy , formerly known as Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Australia. Originally from the UK, Rosie joined CAP Australia in 2013 after working with its parent organization in the UK. She has over 19 years of experience in financial services and community development, dedicating her career to helping churches support individuals facing financial distress. Under he...

Key Takeaways: Understanding Panic Buying: The episode unpacks panic buying behavior, analyzing its origins in consumer psychology and communal impacts. Psychological Profiles in Purchasing: Leveraging Canadian and Australian studies, Ben and Pete outline consumer types from egalitarians to agentic egoists. The Role of Governments: A thought-provoking discussion on when governmental intervention i...

Key Takeaways: Young adults should emphasise and make use of the time advantage in their 20s to build both financial literacy and savings through small, consistent steps. Building good financial habits involves setting processes that automatically allocate savings and expenses, reducing the temptation to overspend. Having a buffer in terms of savings is crucial to cover living expenses for at leas...